Angela Payne and Bob Ryan

A week ago, Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan had good reason to be embarrassed.

This clip on YouTube revealed his bad behavior to his constituents and to anyone with access to the Internet. He quickly became a national joke.

Dealing with last week was nothing compared to the bombshell that was dropped yesterday. This letter is not a laughing matter.

From 620 WTMJ:

[T]he lawyer for former Human Resources director Angela Payne has released the letter Payne sent to the city, alleging she was fired for turning down Mayor Bob Ryan's sexual advances.

The letter is detailed on www.sheboyganpress.com. In it, Payne claims Mayor Ryan tried to kiss her while the two were out at a bar in July. Payne also alleges Ryan later apologized for his behavior. Payne was later terminated.

The allegations in the letter also include Ryan making inappropriate comments about other female city employees and Ryan bragging that he gets more sexual acts performed on him now than ever before.

I think it will be difficult for Ryan to survive this.

Two Sheboygan alderpersons are calling for the forcible removal of Mayor Bob Ryan in the wake of a pair of salacious scandals.

Alds. Marilyn Montemayor and Eric Rindfleisch will introduce a resolution to remove him from office at a Common Council next month.

Those out to get Ryan have played this perfectly.

The YouTube clip raised concerns about Ryan's behavior. More importantly, it raised questions about his character. The release of this letter detailing Payne's explosive claims exploits those doubts about Ryan.

It's a one-two punch that could knock Ryan out of office.

Should it?

If Payne's allegations are true -- Yes.

She made some rather odd choices, like agreeing to go to The End Zone with Ryan after she claims he had sexually harassed her, and even offering to let Ryan sleep on the couch or floor at her apartment because he was too drunk to make it home.

Why didn't Payne call a cab for Ryan and leave immediately if she felt so threatened and degraded?

Payne's questionable choices don't really matter. They don't excuse Ryan's behavior, though they may have an impact on the outcome of her lawsuit.

In any case, Ryan has got a lot to lose. He's definitely on defense.

IF it is determined that Payne is giving a fair account of what happened, I think calls for Ryan's resignation are legitimate and a reasonable response to the situation.

Video, from WLUK:


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The Sheboygan Press has a special online section, with full coverage of Ryan's scandals.